There are several types of software that can be applied in 3D printing. Design software creates 3D printable objects. Scanning software and applications capture objects that can be further adjusted for 3D printing. Repair software fix meshes and make objects 3D printable. Slicing software prepares G-codes with the settings for the printer, etc. Read more about 3D printing software and applications below the table.
| NAME | DESCRIPTION | PURPOSE | TYPE | TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Browser Applications |
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Tinkercad is used by designers, hobbyists, teachers, and kids, to make toys, prototypes, home decor, etc. Browser based. | Design Remix |
Browser | Free |
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SelfCAD has answered the need for a user-friendly CAD software. Everything can be done under a single umbrella! | Design Remix |
Browser Installation |
Free Paid |
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Onshape is the first and only full-cloud 3D #CAD system that lets everyone on a design team work together using any web browser, phone, or tablet. | Design | Browser | Free Paid |
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Morphi Empowering anyone+everyone to design in 3D. For 3Dprinting, AR, VR, stopmotion+much more. | Design VR & AR |
Application | Free |
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Vectary an online 3D design tool for modeling and customization that provides easy ways to create complex shapes. | Design Remix |
Browser | Free |
Slicer Software |
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Simplify3D – translates 3D models into instructions your printer understands. Better instructions mean better prints. | Slicer Repair |
Installation | Paid |
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PrusaSlicer is a feature-rich, frequently updated tool that contains everything you need to export the perfect print files | Slicer | Installation | Free |
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Chithubox is a powerful and easy way to prepare for SLA/DLP/LCD 3D printing. | Slicer | Installation | Free Paid |
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Slic3r is the tool you need to convert a digital 3D model into printing instructions for your 3D printer. | Slicer | Installation | Free |
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Cura prepares your model for 3D printing. For novices, it makes it easy to get great results. For experts, there are over 200 settings to adjust to your needs. | Slicer | Installation | Free |
3D Scanning Software |
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Meshroom is a free, open-source 3D Reconstruction Software based on the AliceVision framework. | Scanning | Installation | Free |
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Autodesk ReCap is an end-to-end solution for converting reality captured with photos or scans into high-definition 3D meshes. | Scanning Repair |
Installation | Free Paid |
VR & AR Software |
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Gravity Sketch is a 3D design tool for iOS, Oculus Rift , HTC Vive, Google Cardboard and more. Create 3D models, concept drafts, and work in a fast and intuitive way through the use of AR, VR, and Touch tech. | VR & AR Design Sculpting |
Installation | Free |
3D Design Software |
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ZBrush is the 3D industry’s standard digital sculpting application. Use customizable brushes to shape, texture, and paint virtual clay, while getting instant feedback. | Design Sculpting |
Installation | Paid |
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Autodesk Fusion 360 is the first 3D CAD/CAM tool of its kind, connecting your entire product development process in a single cloud-based tool. | Design | Installation Browser |
Free Paid |
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Autodesk Meshmixer is state-of-the-art free software for working with triangle meshes. | Repair Remix |
Installation | Free |
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Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation. | Design Sculpting |
Installation | Free |
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Openscad is software for creating solid 3D CAD models. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects. | Design | Installation | Free |
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Rhinoceros The world’s most versatile 3-D modeler now handles bigger projects, faster, with more than 2,000 enhancements. | Design | Installation | Paid |
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SketchUp There’s a reason SketchUp is synonymous with friendly and forgiving 3D modeling software: we don’t sacrifice usability for the sake of functionality. | Design | Installation | Free |
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Solidworks products are easy to learn and use, and work together to help you design products better, faster, and more cost-effectively. | Design | Installation | Paid |
3D Printing Software and Applications
Having to learn 3D printing software was one of the major stoppers to buying personal desktop 3D printers. User-friendly software can make the whole process enjoyable and attract more enthusiasts to 3D printing. However, in the early days, 3D printing software was not a greatly developed area. Some slicers were at the Beta stage that introduced problems for the makers learning to use their new 3D printers. Normally, for beginners, it is important to get to know how the hardware works before thinking about 3D design.
Design software, on one hand, becomes more sophisticated and on the other – more user-friendly. A certain similarity can be traced between different 3D design software that makes trying out new products easier. Most of design software for 3D printing carry familiar features so that new users can start working with it straight away.
Within the past 5 years, 3D printing established itself as a vital new technology and a lucrative business. Companies started to invest into all areas, including software for 3D printing. Scanning applications make it easier to capture objects. File repair software allows to adjust scanned files and make them 3D printable. 3D printing software comes with every 3D printer. The host package often contains a slicer software to prepare files for printing. Some slicers allow to repair files, however, a specialised 3D file repair software may have more advanced features. 3D design or 3D modelling software is obtained separately.
Read More & Table: 3D Design for 3D Printing Courses & Tutorials
“3D design” has a very wide notion. It comprises so many different aspects, like animation, rigging, painting, texturing, sculpting, rendering, etc. So before you choose the right course, you have to make sure that there is an option to transition to …
Read more: The Best Slicer Software for FDM and Resin 3D Printing
Acquiring a 3D printer is just the start of the journey. Even though the slicer software keeps becoming more user-friendlier from year to year, mastering how to use on an advanced level, leads to unleashing the true potential of 3D printing. Let’s list what slicing software is there for resin and FDM machines, briefly mention their best features, and review some of them.
Source: Top 20 Software That Can Be Applied in 3D Printing (3dwithus.com)